Migration From India
During the colonial period (British Period), millions of indentured laborers were sent to Mauritius, Caribbean Islands, Fiji and South Africa by British from U.P. and Bihar; to Reunion Island, Martinique and Surinam by French and Dutch and by Portuguese from Goa, Daman & Diu to Angola, Mozambique to work as plantation workers.
- All such migrations were covered under the time-bound contract known as Girmit Act (Indian Emigration Act).
- The second wave of migrants ventured out into the neighboring countries in recent times as artisans, traders and factory workers, in search of economic opportunities to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and African counties etc.
- There was an outflow of India’s semi-skilled and skilled labor in the wake of oil boom in West Asia in 1970s.
- The third wave of migrants comprised of professionals like doctors, engineers, management consultants, financial experts, media persons (1980s onwards), and others migrated to countries such as USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Germany, etc. These professional enjoy the distinction of being one of highly educated, the highest earning and prospering groups.
- After liberalization, in the 90s education and knowledge-based Indian emigration has made Indian Diaspora one of the most powerful diasporas in the world.